MULTIMIN® – Deer

A targeted performance boost for high-demand periods and, hopefully, an opportunity for some more deer data!

Even with a good trace element programme in place, there are times when stock need a targeted boost to perform at their best. This is where MULTIMIN® comes in. It is an injectable trace mineral supplement, providing a rapid and sustained top-up of essential minerals during high-demand periods.

MULTIMIN® contains a chelated formulation of zinc, manganese, copper, and selenium. These four minerals are essential for a variety of bodily functions, particularly immunity and reproduction.

The benefits in sheep and cattle are already well documented, backed by over 50 peer-reviewed studies:

• Enhanced Fertility: MULTIMIN® administered before mating has been shown to improve reproductive performance. In cattle it can create a tighter calving period, with studies in Australia documenting a 19.4% higher conception rate in the first cycle and 12% higher pregnancy rates. In sheep, trials have demonstrated improved embryo survival, with a 9% lift in scanning and 14.5% lift in tailing percentages. It also improves sperm quality in bulls and rams, with studies demonstrating a 22% increase in sperm concentration and a boost in overall breeding success.
• Improved Immunity and Health: MULTIMIN® has been scientifically proven to optimise immune function, reducing the incidence of disease, improving vaccine responses and recovery from transport. A New Zealand trial showed injecting calves at birth can halve sickness and death rates, from diseases like scours and navel ill, even on farms with a robust trace element programme.
• Increased Production: By enhancing both fertility and immunity, MULTIMIN® helps animals stay healthier and more productive. The reduction in disease and the boost in overall health also increase liveweight gains – a New Zealand trial found a lift in lamb weaning weights by 0.8-2.3kg and improvement in ewe BCS at weaning.

MULTIMIN® and Deer

Many deer farmers are already using MULTIMIN® alongside other trace element supplementation; a 2005 study showed 88% of deer farms are supplementing with copper and 76% with selenium. Most of them that you speak to feel they see a benefit, but the data is still lacking. Like sheep and cattle, deer have periods of high demand when their trace mineral requirements are increased, those being at fawning, mating, velveting and weaning.

A recent pilot study on the North Island showed increased velvet weights in 2-year-old stags given MULTIMIN® at button drop. We thought it was about time we ran a study of our own to see if we can demonstrate similar production benefits to those in sheep and cattle. This season we will be working with a few of our farms running two pilot trials:

1. MULTIMIN® to hinds at set stocking for fawning – assessing weaning percentages, weaning weights and hind BCS
2. MULTIMIN® 4 weeks pre-rut – assessing conception rates (natural service and AI) and scanning percentages.

We have the figures to show that MULTIMIN® acts as a powerful complement to existing trace element programmes in sheep and cattle. It is a strategic intervention to ensure animals are performance-ready when it matters most, helping to achieve production goals and maintain a healthy, resilient herd or flock. Hopefully we will have some data soon, so that we can say the same for deer – watch this space!